What is SEER?

Q: What is SEER?

A: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a number that describes how well air-conditioning equipment works. A higher SEER means better efficiency and lower energy bills. SEER is calculated by dividing the amount of cooling supplied by the air conditioner or heat pump (Btu’s per hour) by the power (watts) used by the cooling equipment under a specific set of seasonal conditions. SEER ratings are determined in a laboratory where the exact set of indoor and outdoor conditions–specified by the US Department of Energy–are guaranteed to exist. Because each piece of cooling equipment  is  valuated using the exact same conditions, the SEER rating can be used in comparing the performance of equipment  from different manufacturers. Higher SEER ratings can be achieved by manufacturers who use newer or better technology in their equipment. That’s why SEER ratings have a big influence on equipment costs. That’s also why SEER has become an important part of manufacturer and HVAC marketing programs.

Many people know that SEER ratings are important in selecting equipment. What most people don’t realize is that the HVAC contractor has a major role in making equipment perform up to its real capabilities in the home environment.

Knowing the SEER FACTS can help

Heating & Cooling FAQ's

Question: We are thinking about upgrading are heating system this year and were wondering; What is the most important thing to look for in a new system?

• Answer: The absolute, number one thing to be concerned with is to choose the right Company or Contractor to do the installation. The brand choices are all of good quality these days but if they're not installed correctly you will end up spending much more than you intended.

*Here are some questions that must be asked of anyone you're considering to work in your home:

1. Are you and your subcontractors licensed to do this type of work?  (CAUTION! TOO RISKY NOT TO ASK) Your home owner's insurance does not cover work done by unlicensed contractors!
2. Are you insured to do this type of work?  (CAUTION! THE AVERAGE CLAIM FOR INJURY RELATED DEATH IS $1.6 MILLION)  Your homeowners insurance may not cover an accident, injury or damage! Require $2+ Million.
3. Are your installers trained to use power tools and equipment in and around occupied spaces?  (CAUTION ! 9 OUT OF 10 CONTRACTORS DO NOT HAVE A SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM)  Avoid negligence claims by requiring contractor to provide copy of their safety program!
4. Do you perform drug testing to screen your employees for hire?  (CAUTION! 9 OUT OF 10 CONTRACTORS DO NOT PERFORM DRUG TESTING ON NEW HIRES)  Avoid negligence claims by requiring contractor to perform drug testing for all new hires!
5. Do you run a criminal background check on your employees?  (CAUTION! 9 OUT OF 10 CONTRACTORS DO NOT PERFORM BACKGROUND CHECKS)  Don't be victimized! Many service people have a history of theft and other crimes.
6. Will you guarantee my ultimate comfort and satisfaction? (CAUTION INSTALLATION INVOLVE COMFORT, SAFETY, HEALTH, PROPERTY, & FINANCIAL) Get this 100% satisfaction guarantee in writing!
7. Will you use driveway protectors, mats, & drop cloths while working inside/outside my home? (CAUTION! INSTALLATION WORK REQUIRES VEHICLES, PEOPLE TRAFFIC, & FLUIDS)  Damage to our property could raise our total cost of installation dramatically!
8. Will you clean up at end of each day?  (CAUTION! MOST CONTRACTORS DO NOT INCLUDE A DAILY CLEAN-UP AS PART OF JOB) There is no need to have your home use or beauty detracted from!
9. Will you remove old equipment and all debris from the premises?  (CAUTION! 9 OUT OF 10 CONTRACTORS DO NOT ITEMIZE THIS IN THEIR SCOPE OF WORK)  "Disposal fees" added on at the end of the job are a common "hidden charge."
10. Will you provide NATE certified technicians to work on air conditioning/heating equipment?  (CAUTION! 9 OUT OF 10 CONTRACTORS DO NOT PROPERLY CHARGE AC EQUIPMENT)  Avoid improper equipment set-up by requiring contractor to assign you NATE certified staff!

If you find a contractor who answers yes to all the above its a guarantee that whatever system you choose it will be installed correctly, the price will equal the value, the cost to operate and maintenance fees will be minimal.

Why Choose a Factory Authorized Dealer?

Different isn't always "better," but "better" is always different. There's no doubt about it: a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer is different. And, is a dealer that makes a difference... in customer comfort, customer satisfaction and in the local community. But, "different" isn't enough. What makes a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer stand out is the unparalleled performance the company offers-true excellence in every aspect of operations, product solutions and technical know-how.

When choosing a dealer, look for the Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer emblem which indicates your dealer has met our high standards for superior skills... superior service... superior products... superior comfort... and a superior promise-in writing-of 100% satisfaction, guaranteed. This is what your Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer and the dealership emblem stand for.

All Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers have as a part of their team, at least half of their service technicians who have earned North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. NATE is the leading certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration industry and is the only test supported by the entire industry.